Flogging Molly

Flogging Molly formed in Los Angeles in 1997 around Dave King, who grew up in Dublin. They mixed Irish folk tunes with punk rock, drawing from bands like The Pogues and The Clash. Their first album, 'Swagger,' came out in 2000 and included 'If I Ever Leave This World Alive.'

They followed with records like 'Drunken Lullabies' in 2002 and 'Float' in 2008. Songs such as 'Black Friday Rule' and 'Between a Man And a Woman' kept their sound of fiddle and accordion lines over guitar-driven rhythms. The band's lineup has included Bridget Regan on violin, Dennis Casey on guitar, and Nathan Maxwell on accordion.

Their shows became known for high energy, and some lyrics touched on drinking or rebellion, which drew occasional criticism after 2001. They kept playing through lineup shifts, with King's voice and the folk-punk blend staying central.